02.13.2013
The Fourth Annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

It’s funny because I don’t enjoy doing gift guides…I always feel like there’s just so much pressure to find the most perfect gifts but, for some reason, I always REALLY look forward to my Anti-Valentine’s Day guide. I can’t even believe this is the FOURTH edition…I mean, if you need to catch up here’s one, two and three, oh, how times flies when you’re having fun. The truth of the matter is that I actually considered NOT doing something anti V-day this year, mostly because I went on three really good dates with a guy and was actually feeling like MAYBE I’d have a Valentine this year. Well, that thought was quickly destroyed and so, on with tradition. With out any further ado, here’s the fourth annual anti-Valentine’s Day gift guide:

I’m usually more of a chocolate girl but when I heard that Sugarfina came out with their own Anti-Valentine’s Gift Set, how could I resist? I ordered the trio yes, for myself, and definitely enjoyed the all three…but the frogs (e.g. Stop Kissing Frogs) was totally my fave. And ladies, don’t forget, there really ARE “plenty of fish in the sea.”

The HBO show Girls…well, I’m obsessed, to say the least, but from what I’ve observed…men really hate this show. Maybe “hate” is a strong word but I’d say “dislike” or “confused by” would be a fair assessment.

Friend’s BF: I don’t get it…they’re all really unattractive and gross.
Me: You wouldn’t get it…it’s REAL.

Deborah Lippmann created four fun nail polish shades, inspired by each character on the show…all of which I deam totally on point, by the way.

Oh, Ryan Gosling. You have your own coloring book…and it’s fantastic. The Ryan Gosling obsession annoys me to the absolute fullest so if you’re single this V-day, why not enjoy some Ryan on your time.

With the help of Mr. Chakra, a new, interactive website from Aveda, you will be given the tools you need to find the balance you deserve. Mr. Chakra will reveal energy-aligning tips that include guided meditation, breathing techniques, mantra usage and personal nutrition. He’ll also lead you to the Aveda Chakra Balancing Body Massage at Aveda Spas and recommend your ideal Aveda Chakra Balancing Body Mist. I encourage you to take sensory journey – I’m chakra #5, in case you were wondering.

11.12.2012
The Monday Rundown

Anthropologie Hand Painted Folk Owl Salt & Pepper Shakers: I’m not usually one for fancy salt and pepper shakers but I REALLY like this set. And, I might actually purchase it. For faaaancy dinners, you know.

AVEDA Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze: I recently tried out this minty-fresh lipgloss in a beautiful shade of dark red and I LOVE IT. Obsessed. It’s just the right shade of red and it’s super hydrating.

Dia de los muertos cookies: I saw so many amazing dia de los muertos halloween costumes that I was instantly inspired when I saw the cookie version. These are a must-do in the next few weeks.

Belle Noel Glam Rock Triple Drop Earrings: I’ve been on the search for a fun black drop earring and I love this version, designed by Kim K. herself…allegedly.

06.04.2012
The Monday Rundown: Beginning of Summer Edition

Summer is finally here! For me, summer often brings a new sense of self and I get really, really inspired to do all the things that I’ve been putting off for months (e.g. those pesky new years resolutions, etc.). This week I’ll be obsessing about the above:

AE Relaxed Boyfit Denim Shortie: I’m so not a shorts girl so this is kind of major for me. Even though my legs are pretty toned, they’re on the thicker side (thank you dance) and I’ve always been super self-conscious about wearing shorts and, up until recently, even wearing shorter dresses. I like these, in particular, because even though “boyfriend jeans” usually look atrocious on me, when it comes to shorts, the boy cut makes sense. They hang lower on the hips and don’t ride up in the thigh area, which is usually all too familiar for me (though I still recommend going one size up).

Anthropologie Vertices Drink Dispenser: There’s something so spa-like about drinking your water from a fancy glass dispenser. I’ll be cutting up fresh cucumber and soaking them in this container for an extra fancy bonus.

AVEDA Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color: I love, lovvvve this gorgeous red lip color. I saw it on a friend a few weeks ago and honestly, it’s a show-stopper.

Truffle Kale Macaroni and Cheese: The food genius, otherwise known as Felicia Sullivan, re-created this recipe on her blog and I nearly died. This recipe combines three of my favorite things: kale, truffle (anything) and macaroni and cheese. Now if only I could cook…

03.21.2012
Charlize Theron’s chic low pony (for fine hair!)

I get so jealous when I see pics like THIS…and oh sure, they obviously use extensions, but even with extensions, my hair will never look like that and it infuriates me. I’ve pretty much got down the fine-hair girl hairstyle down (e.g. loose waves or curls with lots of volume on top!) but when I saw this photo of Charlize Theron, I thought there might be some hope that I could pull off a chic low pony.

It’s pretty easy to do, just make sure you curl your hair BEFORE you pull it back, unless you want to look like you’re about to enter a pagaent.

My favorite go-to curling products for fine hair:

Frederic Fekkai Coiff Defense Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant: It’s important to prep and protect your hair from all of the heat tools that we (I, mainly) use on my hair. I put a little of this in my damp hair and comb it through before blowdrying.

Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion: I’ve been using this stuff for years. YEARS, guys. You just need a tiny amount of the powder (about a quarter size), rub between the palms of your hands, flip your head over and kind of shake it into your scalp. It’s sticky so it won’t fall out (being that your head is flipped over) and it gives a-mazing volume that actually stays.

Hot Tools 1 Inch Curling Iron: It’s funny cause I distinctly remember my first flat iron being Hot Tools brand…and it kinda sucked. But any stylist will tell you that this is the BEST curling iron and, as a bonus, it’s pretty inexpensive.

Goody Ouchless Mini Elastics in Clear: These won’t work for someone who has thick hair so, lucky for us, they’re perfect for this fine hair pony exclusive. They’re great cause they’re clear and can easily be hidden with a single strand of hair wrapped around it.

03.10.2011
Birthday highlights and a Head Refresher

So I got my highlights touched up the other day at Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills. The color? Amazing. What’s even better is that they use Aveda’s specal dye that is bleach-free and 97% natural…I mean, I’ve been really into the whole “natural” thing lately and I have to say, I’m very happy with the results. Nelson Chan, the owner, was extremely nice and even took the time to show me how to use hot rolllers which, ironically, I’ve never used. Hot rollers are a lot better for your hair, and especially if you have extensions, like I do at the moment.

If you’re in the LA area, I definitely say stop into Nelson J and ask for the Head Refresher, which is what originally caught my eye at this salon. This unique service includes Aveda’s 99% natural hair gloss, a relaxing rosemary and mint-oil scalp and head massage, along with a signature Nelson J blow out.
“This Aveda hair gloss is wonderful because it makes hair very shiny and also refreshes hair color for up to two months,” Chan says. “Plus clients get into a state of bliss with the Aveda rosemary and mint-oil applied to their scalp combined with the relaxing head massage.”

Good news- the Head Refresher is on sale now until April 1st for only $49! It usually goes for $100. 🙂

Photo: me blowing out my birthday cake with my new Nelson J Salon hair color

03.10.2011
Birthday highlights and a Head Refresher

Good news- the Head Refresher is on sale now until April 1st for only $49! It usually goes for $100. 🙂

Photo: me blowing out my birthday cake with my new Nelson J Salon hair color

09.14.2009
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO SPRING ’10

Lead Hair: Antoinette Beenders, Vice President Global Creative Director for Aveda

The Look:

This is a low, sleek ponytail adorned with a textured bouquet of waves; a play of smooth versus rough. Hair is sleek and groomed on each side of the head and through the ponytail, with a slightly rough, matte finish on top and elegant, textured waves pinned above the pony. The finished look is chic and contemporary with a bit of attitude.

Q: What was your inspiration for this look? How did you collaborate with the designer to create the look?

A: “Christian and I worked together to create a hair look that reflects the inspiration behind his collection: waves and the ocean, with shimmering silks, silvers, and blues. I call this look the “wave” because of the back-combed wave that floats atop the ponytail. Since Christian is a young designer, the hair look is elegant yet very modern.”

Q: How could a woman achieve this look on her own?

A: “This is an elegant, alternative version of the ponytail—beautiful for evening. Using a fine comb, separate the front/top of hair and part it into a horseshoe shaped section on the top of the head. Tie the rest of hair into a low ponytail. Rake the front/top of hair back with Aveda Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme, and curl with a curling rod. Brush through curls and backcomb slightly, then pin teased hair to the base of the ponytail, creating loose, textured waves. Finish look with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray.”

Get the Look/Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Create a deep side part. Draw a horseshoe-shaped section of hair along the top of the head, from each brow-line. Isolate this section of hair and pin in place with a single-pronged hair clip.

Step 2: Pull the bottom half of hair into a ponytail and secure with a bungee elastic. Divide ponytail into sections with fingers and spray with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for workable hold.

Step 3: Use a flat iron to straighten the ponytail section by section, creating a smooth, sleek finish.

Step 4: Unclip the top section of hair and comb it back and over the ponytail. Sprinkle Aveda Pure Abundance™ Hair Potion and massage into hair to create volume and matte, rough texture.

Step 5: Working with the same top section, divide hair into smaller pieces and spray with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray. Wrap each piece of hair around a ceramic Curl Rod, creating spirals, until the entire top section of hair has been curled.

Step 6: Brush through spirals, loosening curls into soft waves. Loosely backcomb waves to create fullness, volume and texture, and shorten the length of hair.

Step 7: Pin the sides and ends of wavy hair against the head, close to the base of the ponytail. Hair is sculpted into a voluminous, undulating chignon adorning the ponytail.

Step 8: Work Aveda Light Elements™ Texturizing Creme into palms. Smooth hair along the sides of the head and above the ears to create a sleekness and shine.

Step 9: Finish the look with Aveda Air Control™ Hair Spray for shine and hold.

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